You will need :
A Bee-proof veil,hat, and gloves - latex surgical gloves
are ideal (although they do sometimes admit the odd sting)
tough trousers or over trousers are recommended. Dark
coloured clothes can frighten the bees and may cause them
to sting (There are interesting theories about this !)
A Hive tool, for levering the sticky bits of a hive apart -
Bees collect a glue like resin called propolis, which makes
things hard to move. There are several designs of tool
available that allow one to prise apart hive components,
without damaging them.
A Smoker, in which one usually places some smouldering
egg-box (no chemicals) When one puffs the smoke over the
bees they believe a forest fire may be coming, and gorge on
honey - This makes them more placid and easy to handle.
A Hive - The normal type used by hobby Bee-Keepers in the
UK is the "National Hive" - this is a handy type of hive as
it is most widespread and cheap and easy to obtain parts
and spares for. (The "Ford Escort" of hives!)
We have plans for these hives in the members library should
you feel like a bit of D.I.Y. There are many types of hives
and materials available - and the arguments for and against
each type can be fascinating.